My Celebration Vacation

[jmskinner]

Hi Thanks for reading. My son in Iraq called me on Mothers Day but I missed his call. I was at my Mothers. I keep forgetting to forward the calls to my cell phone.

Ben, the son just back from Korea is jealous of our upcoming WDW trip. He said " You're going to Disney and I spending my vacation here". I didn't respond. I just thought wait --this my reward for a really crummy year. He wasn't here when I was going through chemo, surgery and radiation, so I know he wouldn't understand.

About Norcoosess's (How did they come up with this name that is difficult to spell and say ) Thanks for backing me up on my thoughts. I think I have been to a restaurant that was that expensive only once. It was the 95th floor of the John Hancock in Chicago 33 years ago. So I am going to keep the reservation and go just for the experience. The Surf & Turf or the whole Maine lobster is $58. At home I am too thrifty to spend that much on one meal for one person. It will be interesting to taste food that expensive. This is first time for Disney Dining Plan for us, so I need to get my money's worth.

I think getting the express pass at Universal will keep us from getting too hot and crabby. I don't want to spend all my time in line. We went there once before 12 years ago with our 3 children. Now with just the 2 of us going, spending the extra money isn't as painful as it would have been with kids.

I hope you had a good time at Six Flags. Wow I sure talk a lot online.

Sorry to hear you missed your sons call. I remember being in Target one time and totally forgot it was the day for DH to call me. So my cell phone rings and by the time I dig it out of my purse, it had went to voice mail. I was so mad at myself. Do you keep all of his voicemails on your phone? I finally deleted DH's after he had been home over a couple of months.

The first time DH came home after a year in Saudi, I splurged for this beautiful bed & breakfast in Charleston, SC. I think it was $500 for two nights, maybe more. But, it was fantastic. You can't take the money with you when your gone, so might as well enjoy life now.

Hopefully your son was just giving you hard time about not getting to go to WDW. Sounds like something I would do to my Mom.

No, did not enjoy Six Flags at all. I should have known when the trolley to Six Flags was full with just people from our hotel it wasn't going to be a good day. 1 1/2 hour to get food. The only time I have not enjoyed myself at an amusement park.

I really hope you enjoy your trip and you deserve a $58 meal. One of my co-workers is going through Chemo right now for Hodgkins and then will have 6 weeks of radiation. Sure wish they could go on a trip to WDW.

Oh, obviously I like to talk on the net also!

 

[SunnieRN]

I am sorry abut your mother. It must have been hard for you this last Mother's Day. I am glad she didn't have a lot of pain.

Thanks for writing and reading. I don't know what happened but many of my responces landed in the yellow box. I'd fix it but i am way too tired and I'd probably make it worse.

Thank you for taking the time to make all the wonderful comments to me! I really enjoyed reading against what I orig. posted! That was great!
I hope and pray your son stays safe in Iraq, horrible place!
I am so happy for you that you are taking your grandchildren to the zoo! We took my grandsons there about a month ago and my 3 year old LOVED it! The giraffe was eating and came up to the glass right next to him as he chewed, my grandson thought that was the best!
We are going to WDW in Dec. Since it will be our first trip we are planning on taking it slow! Probably long 1/2 days in the park and then just returning for fireworks etc.
Looking forward to reading more!!!

 

[SunnieRN]

In reading the other posts written here I wanted to tell you and jmskinner about a wonderful book! It explained a lot about what our families in uniform go through and a myriad of emotions that go along with it!
It's called: Down Range. It is written by Bridget Cantrell and Chuck Dean.
Fantastic book. Some of the things that my son in law have told me about his experiences have made me realize that no one that goes to war, or the families left at home, can ever be the same again. This book is wonderful in bringing things to light!
My daughter missed a few calls from her husband and it devastated her! Especially after he was hit with schrapnel and she missed his call. (She was at the hospital with their then 1 year old). Luckily he was ok, only minor injuries. But the emotional ones take MUCH longer to heal!
God bless you both and your families!

 

[havinfun]

"It's called: Down Range. It is written by Bridget Cantrell and Chuck Dean.
Fantastic book. Some of the things that my son in law have told me about his experiences have made me realize that no one that goes to war, or the families left at home, can ever be the same again. This book is wonderful in bringing things to light! "

Thanks Sunnie for info on the book. I put a note in planner so when I am at bookstore I'll check it out or on Amazon.

"My daughter missed a few calls from her husband and it devastated her! Especially after he was hit with schrapnel and she missed his call. (She was at the hospital with their then 1 year old). Luckily he was ok, only minor injuries. But the emotional ones take MUCH longer to heal!
God bless you both and your families![/QUOTE]"

I am glad to hear that your grandson and S-I-L are ok.

 

[havinfun]

Last weeks trip to the zoo was great. It was nice to do something with my adult children, hubby and grandson. You are never too old for the zoo. I got a pass from the library and saved $44.00 in admissions. We did lots of walking. Brookfield zoo is big. The weather was great.

I received two books that I ordered from Amazon. Universal Orlando 2008 and PassPorter's Walt Disney World. I really like them. Lots of useful tips. The Passporter will keep me organized. It will be good for keeping track of all the reservations and ADR numbers. I started a notebook. I think I'll use both. The notebook will also serve it's purpose. In it I have restaurant menus, maps I printed, driving directions, etc.

I started pricing rental cars. I am getting price for 10 days of $358 to $456 for mid size cars and small suv's. With the price of gas the full size SUVs are cheap. I did find a Ford escape hybrid. I am considering that one, mileage is 30/35 mpg. If we were only staying at WDW I wouldn't even rent a car.

My SIL said she would pick us up from the airport. I have to ask my sister if she would take us. I am also considering a limo if I can't arrange for someone to take us. Midway parking is $14.00 per day in economy lot. Off site parking is 8.57/day plus a $2 fuel charge and $1.00 tax. Not sure if the one dollar is daily or not. We will be in Florida for 10 days so all that parking adds up. I haven't any idea how much limos run in price. It's been a long time since we used one. 2 years ago we ordered one and it never showed up. We almost missed our flight waiting for it.

That's it for today. Nothing accomplished except for information gathering. Thanks ever one for reading. Now I will go read everyone else's pre-trip reports.

 

[havinfun]

TCKK- "I'm joining in. Sounds like we'll be there around the same time. We're there from the 6th to the 16th of August. "

I bet you excited. I see you are staying at POP. It looks like a fun resort. Are you going to be in WDW the whole time? We are going to visit relatives our first day, then 2 days at Universal and a day at the KSC. Then finally at WDW. I have to check out your per-trip report. Thanks for reading mine.

 

[SunnieRN]

I'm so glad you had fun at the zoo! That's great!
You are going to be totally organized by the time you go to WDW! Did you type up and print the menus for the restaurants?
I like the idea of the passporter! Thanks!

 

[TCKK]

TCKK- "I'm joining in. Sounds like we'll be there around the same time. We're there from the 6th to the 16th of August. "

I bet you excited. I see you are staying at POP. It looks like a fun resort. Are you going to be in WDW the whole time? We are going to visit relatives our first day, then 2 days at Universal and a day at the KSC. Then finally at WDW. I have to check out your per-trip report. Thanks for reading mine.

Yes, we are going to be staying at WDW the whole time. However, we are driving and considering taking one day and driving to Titusville, FL to eat at Dixie Crossroads, which is a wonderful seafood restaurant DH and I ate at many years ago. He loves it and has always wanted to go back. Think we may try to this time. My aunt and uncle who used to live in Florida introduced my family to this restaurant and then I took DH there. In fact, one day DH and I were home and I got a call from my DB (who by the way, never calls me) and he said "guess where I am?" I had no idea. He said "I'm eating at Dixie Crossroads right now." I'm not sure I even knew he was in Florida right then. He lives in the same town I do. Anyway, we've always laughed about him calling me and bragging because he knows how much DH and I loved that place. Yep, I really think we'll go this time.

Sounds like your trip is going to be fun packed with all the things you're doing!! I hope it's terrific

 

[havinfun]

Hi,

I am going to attempt to post a picture. This one is of my DH and I in 1977. It was our first trip to WDW. There was only the Magic Kingdom then. We are in the stockades being silly.

 

[havinfun]

I am getting the hang of posting pictures now. The next picture is 1996. That was our most recent trip to WDW. The pic is DD and DS2 outside the Fort Wilderness Home we stayed in.

 

[havinfun]

Here is a pic of DS1 on his Wedding Day in 2006. He is no longer in the Navy. Now he is in the Army playing in the sandbox.

 

[havinfun]

Ok this is the the last one for now. This one is at the zoo. DS2, DH, DD and DGS, my DD's son.

 

[havinfun]

As of Monday I have finished my cancer treatments!!!!

I have been in a clinical trial that is comparing the use of biosphosphonates to reduce the metastasis of cancer to the bones. The theory being that if bones remain strong there should be less of a chance of the cancer getting into the bone. My oncologist informed that the results of the study have been good. So far the use of these medications have reduced the the rate of recurrence into the bones by 30%. I am happy that I have been taking one of the three meds being tested. This is a phase III study. The three medications are all FDA approved. The study is comparing three medications to see which one is more effective.

So this phase of my life is done. No more IV medication treatments. I will still have to see the doc's and get my port flushed. Next appt. is with the radiation oncologist. I am just very happy the treatments are over. I feel myself getting becoming normal again.

My DS2, our youngest son is packing now to go to his new AF base. He leaves in the morning. He has been home a month. I got used to having him around again. I will miss him.

I didn't mean to ramble so much. Next post will be pretrip planning.

 

[jmskinner]

Glad to hear you are finished with your treatments!

Great pictures. You have a beautiful family. Looking forward to more.

 

[SunnieRN]

Woo hoo!! Congratulations on finishing your cancer treatments! That is great!!
Thanks so much for sharing the pictures with us, that was so much fun!!
Looking forward to more trip planning!!
Sorry your son had to leave today! I bet that was so hard.

 

[TCKK]

Glad to hear your treatments are finished. That deserves a little dance. Loved the pictures. It's always fun to go back and see the older pictures. Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[havinfun]

Yesterday I made my final payment to Disney. It is nice to know that part is paid. I still have to pay off the Universal part of the trip which is due in July. This is the first vacation I have taken where so much is paid in advance. I think I like it this way. When I get there I won't have to worry so much on how much everything costs.

I still haven't booked my rental car. I don't know what I am waiting for.

My youngest son is now at his new base in Virginia. He is getting his first apartment. I hope he does well. He is going from one cell bill to rent, car payment, insurance, cell, cable, INTERNET and probably electric. I need to relax and not worry about him. I am going to think of Disney, Disney and Disney.

Another thing I need to do is to go and buy some clothes for this trip. I lost some weight so none of my shorts fit.

What are the rest of you doing to prepare for your trip? I know the closer it gets the busier we will be.

Oh I did arrange to have my sister take us to the airport and SIL pick us up. That will save lots of money. I have the dog going to my daughters. We will have to drive the dog there. She lives about 90 miles away. I just hope it won't be too much for her. She lives in an apartment with her dog. So that's lots of dog walking.

That's it for today. I am enjoying reading all of your pre-trip reports. That's what I am going to do now ....read some more.

 

[havinfun]

Woo hoo!! Congratulations on finishing your cancer treatments! That is great!!
Thanks so much for sharing the pictures with us, that was so much fun!!
Looking forward to more trip planning!!
Sorry your son had to leave today! I bet that was so hard.

Thanks Sunnie for writing. How are you Disney plans going? Are you getting excited? I would rather be going in September but the school I work at starts August 18th. That's one thing I miss about working in the hospital, being able to take vacation during the off season. Oh well I got a great deal on our room. Where are you going to be staying?

 

[SunnieRN]

I'm afraid my plans changed. My father is coming to live with me for a bit while he has surgery. He lives alone so will be needing help for a couple of months following surgery.
We are now set to go in April as far as I know. I will know for sure in August when my dad gets out of surgery!
We are definately keeping our fingers and toes crossed!!!
I am so happy your trip to WDW is paid off and you only have the rest of the trip to go...that's great!! Congratulations!!

 

[havinfun]

I'm afraid my plans changed. My father is coming to live with me for a bit while he has surgery. He lives alone so will be needing help for a couple of months following surgery.
We are now set to go in April as far as I know. I will know for sure in August when my dad gets out of surgery!
We are definitely keeping our fingers and toes crossed!!!
I am so happy your trip to WSW is paid off and you only have the rest of the trip to go...that's great!! Congratulations!!

I am so sorry that your trip was postponed. Your father will be in my prayers. Life sure throws us some curve balls. I went to WDW in April and the weather was great. If I didn't work at a school, I would really like to go there in April.
Thank you for all your encouraging words. Yesterday I saw my radiation oncologist. He wasn't sure what my rash was. It was mainly over the radiation field, but has now spread past the field. So next I saw the oncology surgeon who biopsied 2 sites. They better be negative because I'm going to see the mouse and I don't have time for more treatments.

I am glad you are still planing on going to DWD.